A great set of speakers for the money (JBL Creature)

Member Name: Jonny_L

Product:	JBL Creature
Date:	05/06/08 (21 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Robust build, great sound quality, they look awesome!

Disadvantages: The power switch is really poorly located.

I've been using these speakers for about 6 months now, having paid around £50 for them from Cancom. The first thing that appealed to me was the small desktop speakers, and the strange shape of them. It's gotta be said that they look pretty cool.

I like the touch sensitive volume button, and the fact that the connectors are all different shapes, meaning you can't plug the wrong speaker into the wrong socket by mistake. The bass and treble controls are located on the subwoofer, and they provide a wide range of level adjustment.

The subwoofer is compact enough, and while I thought that the odd shape would make it hard to find a suitable location in my setup, the base of it is actually square so it's quite easy. The fact that it matches the desktop speakers is nice too. The only annoying thing is that the power switch is located on the back of the subwoofer, meaning you have to reach round the back to switch on your speakers. This is a big design flaw for me, as I like to have the subwoofer tucked away as much as possible.

Despite their size and obvious plastic build, these speakers are suprisingly robust. I often use the sub as a footrest (and a comfy footrest it is!) and it's still perfectly ok. Also the little speakers get knocked about a bit, and they're fine too.

Now, Sound quality... First impressions, the speakers sound superb, and I've had so many people being quite amazed at how good they sound. The highs are crisp, the mids are well balanced and the bass is pretty much incredible. Considering the price, this is a great sound.

The desktop speakers are very directional. If you have something in front of them then they really don't work as well. The best setup in this instance then is to try for an equalateral triagle shape between you and the two speakers. Get this right and you'll really notice the difference.

All in all, I'd give them 5 stars for looks and quality. Though that stupid power switch annoys me every time, so I'll have to knock one off.

Summary: Lovely sound, shame about the disadvantages, but you probably can't get better for the price.

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